PRESS RELEASE: Dekerivers Offers To Be Democratic Vice-President

PRESS RELEASE

(UPI) Madison  April 1, 2008  In a bid to help unite the fractious and argumentative Democratic Party from another failed attempt to gain entrance to the White House Madison, Wisconsin resident and Democratic mouthpiece Dekerivers has offered to be the Democratic Vice-President. 

Little known outside the confines of Madison, at times known as the ‘Berkeley of the Midwest’, Dekerivers alerted both New York Senator Hillary Clinton and her Illinois nemesis Senator Barack Obama late on Monday night with the news that he would be available to donate his time and talent to the fall effort to retake the White House.

“I was really just going to call for pizza delivery, but then I thought since I am near the phone why not talk with Hillary and Barack too.  They were truly surprised by the late night call but I said that this is what a 3:00 A.M. phone call sounds like,” Dekerivers said.

“I love to travel and talk and so I see this slot on the ticket as a surefire way to put two of the things I enjoy most to work for the nation I love so very much” Dekerivers said in a prepared statement to reporters that gathered for coffee this morning at his downtown home.  “And with the high price of gasoline I think this is the only way I will see any part of the nation this year as the Democratic Party will pay for the trips.”

Dekerivers also told the assembled members of the Fourth Estate that he is a meek and mild man and would blend in with either of the candidates should they get the nomination.

“Look at me, read my blog, and you will notice I can take a back seat to anyone as I have no opinions of my own and never express any strong feelings about any topic, and so either Clinton or Obama can rest assured that I will be only using their talking points and never using any of my own,’ Dekerivers confided.

Other positive aspects the one-time Democratic staffer to the shortest man in the Wisconsin State Assembly would bring to the fall campaign is his love of chicken dinners and foreign travel.  “I think I will gain a few pounds from the chicken circuit talking trips that all candidates must endure, but I must confess I love home style chicken dinners.”

“I also have plenty of funny and folksy warm-up jokes that I have heard for years on the Grand Ole Opry, so I think that even Kansas will now be ripe for my party to capture this fall.  I will be a hit in the heartland.  Who knows I might even croon a bit in a nursing home or two on the road.  If the bid for office fails, who knows I might come out of this with a recording career, ” Dekerivers said.

Dekerivers also expressed a strong knowledge of foreign leaders and the backgrounds of the world hot spots as he pointed out he reads The Economist magazine.  “Really any time there is a state funeral I will know how to pronounce the name of the deceased correctly in my prepared statements as Vice-President.”  He added that is far more than the current President has been able to do while in office.

“I think the future of the nation hangs on my shoulders as I prepare for this possible position in our federal government, but it is the path I must prepare for,” Dekerivers said as reporters scrambled for the last donut on the platter.

Technorati Tags: Dekerivers, Madison, Vice-President

Legendary WGN Broadcasting Pioneer Wally Phillips Dies

UPDATED

Once a week for several years I would get up before the sun and leave Sturgeon Bay to visit my home in central Wisconsin.  I was in my early 20’s, working at the local radio station, (WDOR) and feeling bouts of homesickness.  On the road in my blue Chevette I would drink coffee and drive westward as the day opened.  And on the radio was a friendly voice I had known since my high school days.

As I drove along I would marvel at the way Wally Phillips weaved the calls from the listeners with wit and information in such a way that it seemed effortless.  It was obvious from his banter and gentlemanly ways that he cared for, and respected his audience.  One thing was easy to discern when listening to him, in fact it was always clear from the start, Wally Phillips cared for those on the other side of the microphone.

Today the voice died.  Wally Phillips was 82 years old.

I heard the news early this morning as I was listening to WGN radio.  It was only natural that I heard about the famed Chicago broadcaster’s death on the station that was home to Phillips, the man who pioneered modern day talk radio.  It was his warmth, wit, and professionalism that first drew me to WGN as a teenager, and I never left.  WGN has awakened me every morning of my adult life.

Wally Phillips was the first person to make me truly enthusiastic about a possible radio career. (Clark Weber and Eddie Schwartz from WIND and WGN were the others.)  I would listen to Phillips as a kid and wonder how he did the amazing voice ‘drop-ins’, and seemingly effortless talk show that took place each day.   I wondered how he was able to be so funny and yet never cut loose and laugh himself, since I found it hard to be funny and not also enjoy the laugh with those around me.  

It was after I started broadcasting school that I discovered how proficient he was as a broadcaster, and how truly remarkable his production efforts were every day he was on the air.  I discovered how hard his job was even though he made it seem as if his whole audience was just a part of a large friendly conversation.  But in the studio he was a pure professional who had his hands on the dials and buttons that made him the host of the largest audience on AM radio.  In fact, he was number one in his morning time slot from 1968 until shifting for an afternoon slot in 1986.

As the Chicago Sun-Times reports his audience was almost 1.5 million listeners per day.

At the peak of his popularity as morning star at WGN, Phillips attracted half of all Chicago area radio listeners — an audience of nearly 1.5 million each day — making him the most listened-to radio host in the country.

“When we say ‘WGN Radio is Chicago,’ I quickly add that ‘Wally Phillips is WGN,’” said Wayne Vriesman, vice president and general manager of the Tribune-owned station. “He is the most creative, humorous and innovative person I have ever met in broadcasting. . . . (with) a lifetime of great radio listening and a public service never equaled in broadcasting.”

Wally Phillips was the first broadcaster to start the use of phone calls while on the air, allowing the listening audience to be a part of what he developed as the interactive nature of radio.  The calls were fun and uplifting, and interspersed with lines that were prerecorded with funny voices and ‘dropped-in’ at a moments notice.  It was a joy to listen to!

From 1984 listen to Wally Phillips.  The audio here is one of several that can be found on  WGN ,  the above segment is one where Wally celebrates “Goof-off Day” with a series of the “Candid Camera”-style phone calls he made famous. This edited segment includes a montage of calls originally taking place over several hours, including several to people in Atlanta and Lexington, where NCAA Tournament was being held, in which Wally attempts to see if the unsuspecting victims will offer weekend accommodations to him and his large family.

As The Chicago Tribune reports Phillips had an edgy streak that won him applause form his audience.

Phillips’ delivery occasionally had an edge to it, like the time he tracked down formal-wear mogul Ben Gingiss on a cruise ship on the Pacific Ocean and got him on the phone, saying “We’re down here at the store. . . . Where do you keep the fire extinguisher?” More typical was the morning when he started his broadcast by chatting with farm reporter Orion Samuelson about the coming Stomach Rumbling Finals in Stuttgart, Germany.

The Chicago Sun Times has a slide show of  Wally Phillips.

Wally Phillips was a far cry from what passes for much of talk radio today.  He was never mean, boorish, or ‘blue’ on the air.  After his more than 40 years of broadcasting had concluded he was considered by all as the king of his genre.  Much has happened to radio since Wally Phillips ruled the airwaves and helped encouraged this kid to give it a try.  I only wish that today’s youth would have the opportunity to know and love AM radio as it once was.

Thanks for the smiles Wally!  

I might add that WGN is still that diverse and wonderful station, that is often it seems, an island of great broadcasting on the AM dial.

Technorati Tags: WGN, WallyPhillips, WDOR, SturgeonBay, Radio, Broadcasting, Chicago,

Iowa Caucus Predictions…Big Night For Fred Thompson?

Predicting the winners of the Iowa caucuses is one of those blogging events that is just fun to do.  I say that because there is no real way to predict the outcome of a caucus when turnout is key to victory, and Democratic participants can be lured to another candidate if their first choice is not ‘viable’ in their local firehouse or neighbor’s living room.  There is no real way to gauge the mood of the actual caucus goers, and so one needs to rely on trends in the overall polling to even guess at the outcome.   Even then most will not write down any predictions.  Nonetheless I offer my predictions knowing that I have a real good chance of being so very wrong.  Unless an animal is found in bed with a presidential candidate between now and January 3rd, this is what I think will happen.

I start on the Republican side because I feel that this is where a potential news story that is not foreseen might happen on Thursday.  Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee have been blasting each other and proving many ways why they are not the type of nominee that the GOP will require to win in the November election.  Romney has flip-flopped on so many issues, and seems fake to many voters.  Huckabee has social conservatives energized but has turned off many fiscal conservatives with his actions while Governor of Arkansas.  The negative ads and talking points have been blazing, leaving I suspect many Republicans in Iowa concerned about the overall tone of the GOP message, and potential messenger.

While Rudy Giuliani and John McCain are on the ballot they are not seriously vying for voters in Iowa.  But Fred Thompson is.  While I have poked at the former Tennessee Senator here on my blog (he warranted it) I think that Thompson has a chance to make news. As a candidate with conservative credentials who can be viewed as a seasoned politician, I am going with my gut instinct and placing Thompson in second place to Mitt Romney.  If this happens the news story on Friday will be Fred….Fred….Fred.

The top three GOP finishers in Iowa

Mitt Romney

Fred Thompson

Mike Huckabee

On the Democratic side I am going to echo what my overall thoughts were on December 19th, on my blog.  While I think Hillary Clinton will eventually win the Democratic nomination I think she faces a dust-up in Iowa.  John Edwards has a message of corporate greed and economic concern will resonate with voters who have already fought for him once before on a cold winter night in 2004.  I also think that Edwards will do well after other candidates are no longer ‘viable’ at the caucus, and he will be many folk’s second choice.  Obama will suffer from too many fresh faces at the rallies, but not enough of them having the drive to get them to the caucuses.  Howard Dean repeated.

The top three Democrats in Iowa

John Edwards

Hillary Clinton

Barack Obama

To my friends that want percentages…..you must be kidding!!

Technorati Tags: IowaCaucus, Election08, JohnEdwards, HillaryClinton, BarackObama, MikeHuckabee, FredThompson, MittRomney, JohnMcCain, RudyGiuliani, Predictions

My New Year’s Resolutions

With January 1, 2008 soon to be on the calendar this is the time for fresh starts.  Some will say that serious New Year’s resolutions are not wise as there is too much stress with the holidays just passed, and therefore large goals should be implemented differently to be successful.  That always makes sense to me if the goal is to lose 40 pounds, or to end a gambling addiction.  But my resolutions this year, much as in the past, are more tempered in the day-to-day living of life. 

When I first moved to Madison in late December 1986 I would often say that I lived in Madison, but my home was back where I grew up in central Wisconsin.  Over the years that has changed to where I am truly now home in Madison.  It took a long while to make that mental leap, but I love where I am now!  Yet I have never done a serious reading of Madison history.  I know bits and pieces and can weave the general narrative of the city to a stranger, but I wish to better understand the place I now call home.  So the first book of the year for me will be “Madison, A History Of The Formative Years” by David Mollenhoff.  The book came with our new/old house in 2007, and I am eager to start my voyage through the rich history of this amazing city.  In addition, I want to further understand the house I live in, and the people who once also called this place home.

High on the agenda is my continuing effort to learn to play the piano.  This past year did not afford me the time required to become the next Floyd Cramer.  But I do enjoy music and have personal incentives to drive me.   I plan to spend some time each day learning and practicing.  I am reminded as I write that Archie Bunker once likened Edith’s singing to that of cats being strangled.  I hope the neighbors will think more kindly of my musical efforts.

The aim of low stress living this year is one that both James and myself will try and abide by.  In that effort we are not going to garden our two vegetable plots, as they are a great deal of work throughout the summer.  Instead we are going to concentrate on the flowers and landscaping at our home.  I have already planned where the sunflowers will grow in the backyard, and am looking forward to expanding the flowerbeds and plants that will someday overtake the lawn.  Less grass is more attractive!  The flowers are not only fun to grow, but also provide the perfect place to sit around with a good read on a warm summer day.

I have always been quite good with geography but still find that while reading international news a more obscure city or river cannot be placed in my head.  So the new geographical dictionary at my desk is going to be used frequently while reading this year.  In addition, I am going to once again read a magazine that I loved for many years.  In December I subscribed to Columbia Journalism Review.  While working at the Capital I would buy it from Pic-A-Book on State Street.  Reading some stories online is fine, but I love to discover that our mailman has a magazine in the mailbox.

Oh…and I plan to follow politics too………

Technorati Tags: NewYear’sPredictions, Madison, Wisconsin, DavidMollenhoff

Message Of Hope As We Exit 2007

Some are more than eager to exit 2007, and get the New Year started.  The excitement about new beginnings and a fresh start is one of mankind’s remarkable features as it proves that we are highly resilient.  Even after a year where unfinished plans, failed endeavors, or sadness might have held sway, we have in our nature the ability to look ahead and dream again.   In the darkest moments of a bad year when only gloom seems to prevail we are told to hold to the notion that better days are ahead.  Others who care offer that timeless advice, and we nod in agreement to be kind, but at the time those words are heard we often do not believe in the power to bounce back.

Getting from the darkness to the light again is a trip that requires patience and self-acceptance of where one is, and where one wants to end up.  It also requires the time to make the trip.

Millions of Americans will always reflect on 2007 with a sense of sadness and loss, be it a failed marriage, loss of a job, illness, or the death of a loved one.  For many people bittersweet memories will be the strongest leftover from the past year.  But if you are one that endured hard times this year, and coped with them, then there are lessons that were gained.  With them comes the hope for a New Year.

To live life fully means that we must experience the entire array of events that come with the human experience.  Bright moments at one end of the spectrum, and tear filled days at the other end.  If we love the sunshine, we also must embrace the darkness.  When life forces us to deal with painful events the worst thing to do is shy away from facing the emotions inside.  We are only fooling ourselves by pretending to cage them.   Eventually the situation will demand attention, and if we do not deal with our feelings honestly at the time they are in front of us, we are doomed to deal with them in another form later.

In the mad rush that many have constructed as their daily life, it is difficult to find the time to deal with sadness.  In the late 1800’s one could still put out black on their doors to provide the time and space required for healing after the loss of a loved one.  The public respected the black fabric.  No one expected that in two weeks all would be fine again.  Today we have pushed ourselves to the point where in the hope of making it easier to get people to a funeral without disrupting work hours the deceased person’s visitation and funeral are all held in a few hours on one night.   I first heard of this in September, and find that it is spreading.  It makes me ill, as emotional needs should not be second place to the bottom line for a business.

It is not selfish or out of bounds to demand the time one needs to replenish the soul and body after a rough episode.  Finding the perfect means of serenity is essential.  It might be found in the sunsets each night, or the morning blooms that erupt in the dew outside the window.  It might be found in long walks, or even longer runs.  Whatever the means to soothe and heal it should be applied regularly.  And to do it correctly will demand a ‘time-out’ from what is considered the ‘normal’ routine. Whether it be for an hour each day, or a day each week, the most important way to heal is to allow the space and time to do it correctly.

If 2007 was rough it is in our nature to hope for a brighter 2008.  If we applied the lessons of coping correctly on the ragged edges of life just lived, then we are prepared to hold our head up and march into the New Year.

I wish you all the best.  Happy New Year. 

Technorati Tags: MentalHealth, 2008, CopingSkills

Ready To Celebrate Christmas

The Christmas mood has settled in over our home.  Much like the fog outside it seems insulating and perfect.  A couple more gifts to wrap, and some more cookies to make are all that remain to be done.  Relaxing and enjoying the tree and the meaning of the season will be at the top of our agenda.    With another major winter storm aiming for Wisconsin we are glad to have all the shopping completed so we can stay off the roads during the bad weather slated for this weekend in Madison.

I hope that all of you have a Merry Christmas! I will be back to blogging on December 26.

Below you will find my Mom’s favorite Christmas song.  I thought this a good place to post it.

Technorati Tags: Elvis, SilverBells, Madison, Wisconsin, Christmas

Impressive Icicles In Madison, Wisconsin

I got up this morning thinking that I would write something political for my blog.  But then I noticed the beauty of the sunrise.  Shortly thereafter while walking around the neighborhood the incredible icicles that hang gloriously struck me as just perfect additions to all the homes.  So I offer some pictures of how the melting snow from rooftops provides joy on a cold winter day.  And how it makes a blogger forget about politics!

I saved the best for last!

Technorati Tags: Icicles, Madison, Wisconsin, Weather

Jesse Jackson Speaks With Passion In Madison At The Capital Times Birthday Party

“Bush and I have one thing in common, and that is that we both came in second.” 

The laughter that filled the room at the Monona Terrace in Madison following that comment by the Reverend Jesse Jackson Wednesday night had a bittersweet sound as many in the crowd knew in their hearts that the country would have been well served by having him in the Oval Office.  Jackson joined about 300 attendees to celebrate the 90th birthday of Madison’s progressive afternoon newspaper, The Capital Times.  John Nichols, the associate editor of the paper, held an insightful and illuminating conversation with the civil rights activist, and two time presidential candidate that lasted about an hour.

In the conversation Jackson presented his experiences as a template (my word, not his) for how others could not only run campaigns, but also run the country once elected.  And with 20 years for us to reflect on his efforts in 1984 and 1988 to be President, we must admit he presents powerful arguments for his style of campaigning,  and the issues he fought for.

The struggles with the power centers within the Democratic Party have frustrated Jackson for many years.  While working to elect an African-American mayor in Chicago he was told by the likes of Senators Ted Kennedy and Walter Mondale that they both needed to “support their allies”, meaning they would work for the entrenched Chicago machine candidate.  When Jackson heard the “allies” comment he asked them, “Well who are we?” meaning the black voters that had supported the Democratic Party for decades.  Years later Jackson would spar with the centrist and mushy Democratic Leadership Council, which was an organization hoping to stem the liberal tendencies of the Democratic Party.

But through it all Jackson understands that counter-culture politics is the force that keeps the nation moving in a progressive direction.  Whether it was striving for union rights, civil rights, or health care rights for AIDS patients, the counter-culture politics that he marshalled is the path that he wishes more politicians would embrace.

John Nichols started his introduction for Jackson on Wednesday by describing him as “the most successful diplomat”, and the record of Jackson’s achievements, along with his thoughtful views over the decades, prove Nichols to be correct.

When asked to sum up his diplomatic approach Jackson said, “I tried, I talked, I asked.”  The audience understood what he meant.   As Jackson spoke of his overseas work the crowd nodded in agreement, and when he mentioned Ronald Reagan and the American flier held captive in Syria in 1983 there was laughter.

Robert Goodman, a Navy flier was being held by President Assad, and Jackson asked President Reagan if he could travel to Syria to seek his release.  Reagan told Jackson not to go, but just in case Jackson did go and succeeded, Reagan wanted to make sure Jackson brought Goodman back to the White House for pictures!  Jackson used the diplomatic approach he had long advocated; he tried, talked, and asked.  In the end a very pleased President Reagan met Goodman at the White House.  And as a side note I think we all recall that Jackson looked mighty good on the White House grounds too!

Jackson observed during the conversation with Nichols that American foreign policy is often one of contempt, and not respect for others in the international arena.  He urged more discussion among nations, and a deeper appreciation on our part for the rampant poverty that impacts so many around the world. 

When asked about the current presidential contest underway in America he had one blunt criticism for Mike Huckabee, the former Governor of Arkansas.  Jackson said that it was wrong for Huckabee to attempt to force Mitt Romney to take a religious test.  “It is the most unfair part of Huckabee’s campaign.”  He then reminded the crowd that most lynchings in the south took place after Church on Sunday’s, and the ones doing it “were not Mormons.”

Wednesday evening as I listened to Jesse Jackson I recalled how during the 1988 presidential election I wore his campaign button on my jacket.  I had been a supporter of Jackson in 1984, but was not able to campaign and work in his behalf to the degree I had wished.  But in 1988 I was living in Madison, and had more opportunities to help make a difference.  At the time I was working with a State Representative from northeast Wisconsin who was more conservative that I was.  While with him in the district one day he asked me what his constituents might think about me wearing my Jackson button.  I told him that I hoped the voters might ask about Jackson so I could tell them of the message he offered for America.  This seemed to make the Representative mighty nervous, as he knew I was serious.  He never talked about the button again, though I knew he thought it might harm him among some conservatives.

Now these many years later as I listened to Jesse Jackson speak I am again reminded of how much better off we would all be had he been our President.  “Run, Jesse, Run” was more than a slogan in the 1980’s.  If was a real piece of hope in American politics.  Wednesday night for an hour some of us recalled what hope felt like again.

Technorati Tags: JesseJackson, Madison, Wisconsin, JohnNichols, MikeHuckabee, MittRomney, CapitalTimes, RonaldReagan

The Anticipation Of A Winter Storm In Wisconsin

There is something about the news of a winter storm that brings out the child in each of us.  Tonight as I write it seems almost a pure thing.  Innocent and fresh.  Some of us give into those feelings more readily than others.  I admit it is easy for me.  Yet if we all are honest with ourselves we must admit there is a wonderment to the news of a winter storm watch for Saturday. 

There is no way that the news of sleet, and half a foot of snow, does not conjure up warm memories of childhood.  The building of a snowman, followed by a steaming mug of hot cocoa, is a part of our childhood.  So if we enjoyed those moments so much at one time in the past, why do so many not embrace them as adults?

My dad and I talked this evening, and he spoke of how “real pretty the trees are” after a snowfall.  And he is right of course.  He has come to the point in life where he can slow down, and not be required to be ’somewhere’, but instead can just relax and watch the snow.  But the truth is many folks, regardless of age, can do the same as my Dad will this weekend.  The fact that the storm will marshal its way through Wisconsin on a weekend means most of us have no real reason to be anywhere but home. 

So lets slow down this weekend, and take a trip back with memory to our childhoods.  Remember how we went to sleep with the grass brown, but were awakened to a blanket of white?  Recall how we looked out the window and went WWWOOOWWW!!   Remember how we had to find a way to eat breakfast real fast so we could get outside and enjoy the snow?  Recall making that first snowball and throwing it as far as we could hurl it?  And how many of us lingered outside even after we were wet and cold?  There was just nothing better than to be outside in the midst of winters best.

As adults we have no reason not to relish the snow (and the anticipation of it) as we once did as kids.  Plan a meal Saturday that requires putting something in the oven that will not only warm your home, but also will create a wonderful aroma.  Put your favorite Christmas album on.  Plan to make a batch of cookies.  Get a few neighbors together, and go for a long walk as the snow falls.  There are many sights to behold after Mother Nature paints the landscape white.  The hush and calm that covers the city, much like the snow itself, is one of the side effects of a winter storm. 

This weekend never think of the car, or the roads.  Think not once of the mall, or the movie theater.  Just get back to the childhood memory of how the snow once was all that mattered, and how nothing could make the day any better than to have a snowstorm hit your backyard.

Don’t miss the pretty trees, or the quiet as the snow falls because you need to be ’somewhere’.  Enjoy the moment.  Enjoy our winter storm.

You will feel better on Monday morning if you take my advice this weekend.

Technorati Tags: Snowstorm, Wisconsin, Snowman, Childhood, Madison, Wisconsin

Our Tree Is Up And Decorated

Technorati Tags: ChristmasTree, Madison, Wisconsin

Mom’s Angel Cookie Recipe

This recipe is well over 50 years old.  It is a winner, easy to make, and very tasty!  They are great to eat just out of the oven, and they also store well for the late night munchies.  If you make them I guarantee that you will be back in the kitchen soon to whip up another batch.  They do not last long if you have kids at home…even big kids aged in the 40’s!

When I was a boy these cookies became my favorite, and no Christmas season would be complete without several batches being made.  This year I made some for Thanksgiving, and more baking this month means that friends are going to be getting cookie tins with these inside.  And everybody gets the recipe, so the tradition of these gems continues.

Every year at about this time I called my mom and asked if she had done any baking yet.  I always seemed to call before the cookies were made, but soon thereafter they were always in the cupboard where they had been placed since I was in the third grade.  If they can leave a memory like that in a 45 year old, it must mean they are good!

Angel Cookies

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

2 cups shortening

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp vanilla

2 tsp. cream of tarter

2 tsp. baking soda

4 cups flour

Mix sugar and shortening.  Add eggs and beat.  Add flavoring.   Add dry ingredients.  Shape into balls the size of a walnut and roll in colored sugars.  (As the years went along my mom at times left this out, and it did not detract from the yummyness.  I also recall that as a boy my mom placed the sugars on the cookies midway through the baking process.)  Place 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. 

As the recipe notes it “Makes a pretty Christmas cookie.”

Technorati Tags: AngelCookieRecipe, Recipes, AngelCookies

Giving Thanks In 2007

The lady in the little bakery shop did not know me, and I did not know her.  However as I reflect back on 2007 she holds a special place in my heart exactly because we did not know each other.

It was a sultry day in early August as James and I took a break from visiting at the Stevens Point hospital by taking a walk down the main street of their city.  It was once a bustling place, where as a boy I loved all the folks who strolled along with packages, doing so with a purpose in their steps.  But things were different now.  The huge mall that dominated the street once promising to bring vitality to the center of the city had instead only brought malaise.  Just a few others walked along slowly as we did that afternoon.  We looked in a few windows, and ambled along.   James and I had no desire to be there, and only our nervous energy fed our footsteps.

I spotted the little bakery that was located not far from the bookstore that I had spent money and time at as a teenager.  Inside the bakery, sweet smells made it seem that time had stopped.  They were the smells of everything that was still right with the world.  We looked over the plain donuts, jelly filled rolls, and others coated in sugar.  The lady behind the counter asked how we were doing, and noticed that we looked tired.  “These will perk you up,” she said as she pointed to the items in the glass cases.

James and I had been racing between Madison and Stevens Point for many days, sometimes packing an overnight bag, other times buying shirts and toiletries on the run so we could stay at a motel.  In the rush that day we had not even thought about stopping at a TYME machine.  And the bakery did not take cards.  My pockets had some loose change that I dug out and counted.  There were a few pennies in a container on the counter that I added to my coins to make it all work out.  I explained sheepishly that I was a bit frazzled, and offered my apologies for using her pennies to buy our sweets.

Seeing my discomfort James explained our time in Stevens Point was spent visiting a sick loved one in the hospital.  They talked for a minute, and she wished us well. We left the peaceful smells of that little shop, and walked back outside to a bench a few feet down the street to sit and eat.

I was pointing out to James all the changes to the shops along the street since I was a boy, when the lady from the bakery walks up to us with a small bag of goodies from the bakery.  She handed us the bag, told us we needed to stay strong, and that she would be praying that everything turned out fine.  And then she left and walked away.

Now I know on Thanksgiving we are to remind ourselves about all the things we are thankful for.  We usually list the country we are blessed to live in, those who love us, our good health, and all sorts of big themed ideas.  While all that is certainly true for me as well, I have often thought these past months about that single lady at the bakery, and how thoughtful she was to us.  A brief moment of her time, a gracious act on her part, and the lasting warmth it has on my life.

When logic and reason were missing in our summer of sadness and chaos, a complete stranger proved that there was still goodness and hope around us. Talk about something to be thankful for!!

After the upside down summer James and I have settled into a routine at our new residence in Madison.  As such, we walk a great deal for exercise and relaxation.  On these walks I have encountered a homeless lady that I see over and over again.  While there are many homeless folks in large cities, she just stood out for some reason.  The first time I saw her she was sitting on State Street with her back against a doorframe with her belongings scattered around.  I walked past her, but several yards later turned and walked back.  We had made eye contact as I had passed, and the sickly eyes were similar to others I had seen this year.  There was no way I could not have returned to her.  This time my pockets had cash in them, which I gave to her.

I see her often at night as I walk to meet James after his work at the college.  She sits on a bench near the Capitol and seems so alone.  She does not seem sad or angry but just lost, and somehow resigned to her fate.

I stop each time I see her on my walks and give her some money, though there is no recognition from her that we have ever met before.  And there need not be any. 

The lady does not know me, and I do not know her. 

It is just my way of saying thanks.

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